Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Model PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes, 38991-38993 [E9-18685]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 5, 2009 / Proposed Rules 38991 issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness, or within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do a detailed inspection for discrepancies of the lead-in chamfer and cross-bolt bore; and if any discrepancy is found, repair or replace the trunnion pin before further flight. Do all actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Service Bulletin 737– 32–1376, Revision 2, dated August 6, 2008. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Examining the AD Docket Federal Aviation Administration No Report Required Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Model PIAGGIO P–180 Airplanes You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329– 4145; fax: (816) 329–4090. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: (j) Although Boeing Service Bulletin 737– 32–1376, Revision 2, dated August 6, 2008, specifies to send inspection reports to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Issue of Service Information (k) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Boeing Service Bulletin 737–32–1376, dated May 12, 2005; or Revision 1, dated March 19, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions of this AD. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Nancy Marsh, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe Branch, ANM–120S, FAA, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 917–6440; fax (425) 917–6590. Or, email information to 9–ANM–Seattle-ACO– AMOC–Requests@faa.gov. (2) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (3) An AMOC that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used for any repair required by this AD, if it is approved by an Authorized Representative for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes Delegation Option Authorization Organization who has been authorized by the Manager, Seattle ACO, to make those findings. For a repair method to be approved, the repair must meet the certification basis of the airplane, and the approval must specifically refer to this AD. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 24, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–18642 Filed 8–4–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:25 Aug 04, 2009 Jkt 217001 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0699; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–042–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while the steering system was switched off. A leakage in the Steering Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the Steering Manifold, when closed, is suspected to have caused the uncommanded steering. If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in ‘off’ position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is higher than 60 knots). The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 21, 2009. You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2009–0699; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–042–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD because of those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we receive about this proposed AD. Discussion The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 2009–0129, dated June 19, 2009 (referred to after this as ‘‘the MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while the steering system was switched off. A leakage in the Steering Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the Steering Manifold, when closed, is suspected to have caused the uncommanded steering. If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in ‘off’ position during E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 38992 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 5, 2009 / Proposed Rules landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is higher than 60 knots). For the reasons stated above, this new AD mandates repetitive inspections for leakage of the Nose Landing Gear steering manifold. The MCAI requires, if any inspection finds leakage of the steering manifold, the replacement of the steering manifold. Relevant Service Information Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. has issued: • Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80– 0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009; • (for S/N 1004 through 1104) Piaggio Aero Piaggio P.180 Avanti Maintenance Manual, Report No. 9066, 32–50–00, revised June 16, 2008; and • (for S/N 1105 and greater) Piaggio Aero Piaggio P.180 Avanti II Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180– MAN–0200–01105, 32–50–00, revised December 19, 2008. The actions described in this service information are intended to correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI. FAA’s Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Differences between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 63 products of U.S. registry. VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:25 Aug 04, 2009 Jkt 217001 We also estimate that it would take about 8 work-hours per product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. operators to be $40,320, or $640 per product. In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would take about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of $1,280 per product. We have no way of determining the number of products that may need these actions. Authority for this Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. The Proposed Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows: PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA–2009–0699; Directorate Identifier 2009–CE–042–AD. Comments Due Date (a) We must receive comments by September 21, 2009. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to Model P–180 airplanes, all serial numbers (S/N), certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing Gear. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while the steering system was switched off. A leakage in the Steering Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the Steering Manifold, when closed, is suspected to have caused the uncommanded steering. If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in ‘off’ position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is higher than 60 knots). For the reasons stated above, this new AD mandates repetitive inspections for leakage of the Nose Landing Gear steering manifold. The MCAI requires, if any inspection finds leakage of the steering manifold, the replacement of the steering manifold. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done, do the following actions: (1) Within the next 6 months after the effective date of this AD or within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 165 hours TIS, do a E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1 Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 149 / Wednesday, August 5, 2009 / Proposed Rules functional check of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold. Follow the accomplishment instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80–0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009. (2) Upon installation of a NLG steering manifold on any airplane, do a functional check of the NLG steering manifold. Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 165 hours TIS, do a functional check of the NLG steering manifold. Follow the accomplishment instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80–0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009. (3) If during any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD a NLG steering manifold does not pass the functional tests, using the compliance times in the accomplishment instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80–0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009, replace the NLG steering manifold following (for S/N 1004 through 1104) pages 1 through 8; 201 through 216; and 501 through 506, of Piaggio Aero Piaggio P.180 Avanti Maintenance Manual, Report No. 9066, 32–50–00, revised June 16, 2008; or (for S/N 1105 and greater) pages 1 through 8; 201 through 216; and 501 through 506, of Piaggio Aero Piaggio P.180 Avanti II Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180–MAN– 0200–01105, 32–50–00, revised December 19, 2008. FAA AD Differences srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with PROPOSALS Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/ or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329–4145; fax: (816) 329–4090. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. VerDate Nov<24>2008 18:25 Aug 04, 2009 Jkt 217001 Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2009–0129, dated June 19, 2009; and Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80–0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009, for related information. Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 30, 2009. James E. Jackson, Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9–18685 Filed 8–4–09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0703; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–093–AD] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL–600–2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701 & 702) Airplanes, Model CL–600–2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) Airplanes, and Model CL– 600–2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: There have been four reports of loose or detached main landing gear torque link apex pin locking plate and the locking plate retainer bolt. This condition could result in torque link apex pin disengagement, heavy vibration during landing, damage to main landing gear components and subsequent main landing gear collapse. The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 4, 2009. ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. • Fax: (202) 493–2251. PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4702 Sfmt 4702 38993 • Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. • Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M– 30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–40, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact Bombardier, ˆ Inc., 400 Cote-Vertu Road West, Dorval, ´ Quebec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514–855–5000; fax 514–855–7401; e-mail thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com; Internet https://www.bombardier.com. You may review copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221 or 425–227–1152. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pong Lee, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Mechanical Systems Branch, ANE– 171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228–7324; fax (516) 794–5531. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Comments Invited We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No. FAA–2009–0703; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–093–AD’’ at the beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this proposed AD based on those comments. We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https:// E:\FR\FM\05AUP1.SGM 05AUP1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 149 (Wednesday, August 5, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 38991-38993]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-18685]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2009-0699; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-042-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. Model 
PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while 
the steering system was switched off.
    A leakage in the Steering Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the 
Steering Manifold, when closed, is suspected to have caused the 
uncommanded steering.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially 
dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft 
Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in `off' 
position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is 
higher than 60 knots).

The proposed AD would require actions that are intended to address the 
unsafe condition described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by September 21, 
2009.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace 
Engineer, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas 
City, Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2009-0699; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-042-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical 
Agent for the Member States of the European Community, has issued AD 
2009-0129, dated June 19, 2009 (referred to after this as ``the 
MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The 
MCAI states:

    Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while 
the steering system was switched off.
    A leakage in the Steering Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the 
Steering Manifold, when closed, is suspected to have caused the 
uncommanded steering.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially 
dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft 
Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in `off' 
position during

[[Page 38992]]

landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is higher than 60 
knots).
    For the reasons stated above, this new AD mandates repetitive 
inspections for leakage of the Nose Landing Gear steering manifold.

The MCAI requires, if any inspection finds leakage of the steering 
manifold, the replacement of the steering manifold.

Relevant Service Information

    Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. has issued:
     Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, rev. 1, dated May 
27, 2009;
     (for S/N 1004 through 1104) Piaggio Aero Piaggio P.180 
Avanti Maintenance Manual, Report No. 9066, 32-50-00, revised June 16, 
2008; and
     (for S/N 1105 and greater) Piaggio Aero Piaggio P.180 
Avanti II Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-MAN-0200-01105, 32-50-00, 
revised December 19, 2008.
    The actions described in this service information are intended to 
correct the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, they 
have notified us of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and 
service information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because 
we evaluated all information and determined the unsafe condition exists 
and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type 
design.

Differences between this Proposed AD and the MCAI or Service 
Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 63 products of U.S. 
registry. We also estimate that it would take about 8 work-hours per 
product to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The 
average labor rate is $80 per work-hour.
    Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators to be $40,320, or $640 per product.
    In addition, we estimate that any necessary follow-on actions would 
take about 16 work-hours and require parts costing $0, for a cost of 
$1,280 per product. We have no way of determining the number of 
products that may need these actions.

Authority for this Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.: Docket No. FAA-2009-0699; 
Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-042-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by September 21, 2009.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Model P-180 airplanes, all serial numbers 
(S/N), certificated in any category.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 32: Landing 
Gear.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    Some cases of uncommanded steering action were observed, while 
the steering system was switched off.
    A leakage in the Steering Select/Bypass Valve, installed in the 
Steering Manifold, when closed, is suspected to have caused the 
uncommanded steering.
    If left uncorrected, this condition could lead to a potentially 
dangerous veer along the runway; in fact, according to the Aircraft 
Flight Manual limitations, the steering system must be in `off' 
position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is 
higher than 60 knots).
    For the reasons stated above, this new AD mandates repetitive 
inspections for leakage of the Nose Landing Gear steering manifold.

The MCAI requires, if any inspection finds leakage of the steering 
manifold, the replacement of the steering manifold.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Unless already done, do the following actions:
    (1) Within the next 6 months after the effective date of this AD 
or within the next 100 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, and repetitively 
thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 165 hours TIS, do a

[[Page 38993]]

functional check of the nose landing gear (NLG) steering manifold. 
Follow the accomplishment instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries 
S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, rev. 1, dated May 
27, 2009.
    (2) Upon installation of a NLG steering manifold on any 
airplane, do a functional check of the NLG steering manifold. 
Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed every 165 hours 
TIS, do a functional check of the NLG steering manifold. Follow the 
accomplishment instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. 
Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009.
    (3) If during any inspection required in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD a NLG steering manifold does not pass the 
functional tests, using the compliance times in the accomplishment 
instructions of Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin 
(Mandatory) N. 80-0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009, replace the NLG 
steering manifold following (for S/N 1004 through 1104) pages 1 
through 8; 201 through 216; and 501 through 506, of Piaggio Aero 
Piaggio P.180 Avanti Maintenance Manual, Report No. 9066, 32-50-00, 
revised June 16, 2008; or (for S/N 1105 and greater) pages 1 through 
8; 201 through 216; and 501 through 506, of Piaggio Aero Piaggio 
P.180 Avanti II Maintenance Manual, Report No. 180-MAN-0200-01105, 
32-50-00, revised December 19, 2008.

FAA AD Differences

    Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
Standards Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this 
AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send 
information to ATTN: Sarjapur Nagarajan, Aerospace Engineer, FAA, 
Small Airplane Directorate, 901 Locust, Room 301, Kansas City, 
Missouri 64106; telephone: (816) 329-4145; fax: (816) 329-4090. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 
U.S.C. 3501 et. seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
approved the information collection requirements and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI EASA AD 2009-0129, dated June 19, 2009; and 
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Service Bulletin (Mandatory) N. 80-
0249, rev. 1, dated May 27, 2009, for related information.

    Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on July 30, 2009.

James E. Jackson,
Acting Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E9-18685 Filed 8-4-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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